Clean Gutters

One important aspect of

home maintenance is keeping your gutters clean. Over time, leaves, twigs, and

other debris can accumulate in your gutters, leading to clogs and water

overflow. This can cause damage to your roof, fascia, and even your foundation.

Therefore, it's crucial to regularly clean your gutters to ensure proper water

drainage and prevent costly repairs.

To clean your gutters,

start by using a ladder to reach them. Use a small garden trowel or scoop to

remove the debris from the gutters. Make sure to wear gloves and protective

eyewear to keep yourself safe. After removing the larger debris, use a hose to

flush out any remaining dirt or small particles. This will help ensure that

your gutters are free from any obstructions and functioning properly.

By taking the time to

clean your gutters regularly, you can prevent potential water damage to your

home and extend the lifespan of your gutters.

Ensure Rainwater Drains Away from

Foundations

Proper drainage of

rainwater is essential to protect the foundation of your home. When rainwater

collects near the foundation, it can seep into the soil and cause it to expand.

This puts pressure on the foundation walls and can lead to cracks and structural

damage over time.

To ensure rainwater

drains away from your foundations, there are a few steps you can take. First,

make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and in good working condition.

This will prevent water from overflowing and spilling near the foundation. Consider

adding downspout extensions to direct the water further away from the house.

Additionally, inspect

the grading around your home. The ground should slope away from the foundation,

allowing water to flow away naturally. If you notice any low spots or areas

where water pools, fill them in with compacted soil to improve the drainage.

Taking these measures

will help protect your home's foundation and prevent costly repairs in the

future.

Cover Vents to Help Keep Animals Out

Animals like birds,

squirrels, and rodents can cause damage to your home if they find their way

into your attic or crawl spaces. They may chew on wires, insulation, and other

materials, leading to potential fire hazards and costly repairs.

To keep animals out,

it's important to cover your vents with appropriate screens or grates. This

will prevent animals from entering your home while still allowing proper

ventilation. Make sure to inspect and repair any damaged screens or vents to

ensure they are effective.

In addition to covering

vents, it's also a good idea to seal any gaps or cracks in your home's

exterior. Animals can squeeze through small openings, so sealing these entry

points will help keep them out. Use caulk or weatherstripping to seal gaps

around windows, doors, and utility penetrations.

By taking these

preventive measures, you can protect your home from animal damage and avoid the

need for costly repairs.

Rinse Air Conditioning Unit with Water

to Keep Air Flowing

Proper maintenance of

your air conditioning unit is important to ensure efficient cooling and prevent

breakdowns. One simple maintenance task you can do is rinsing the unit with

water to keep the air flowing smoothly.

Over time, dirt, dust,

and debris can accumulate on the condenser coils of your air conditioning unit.

This can restrict airflow and reduce the unit's cooling capacity. By rinsing

the coils with water, you can remove these contaminants and improve the efficiency

of your AC system.

To rinse the air

conditioning unit, start by turning off the power to the unit. Then, use a

garden hose to spray water on the coils, removing any dirt or debris. Make sure

to spray from the inside out to avoid pushing the dirt further into the unit.

Allow the unit to dry completely before turning the power back on.

By incorporating this

simple maintenance task into your routine, you can help prolong the lifespan of

your air conditioning unit and ensure optimal cooling performance.

Replace or Repair Ripped or Torn

Screens on Windows and Doors

Window and door screens

serve as a barrier against insects and provide ventilation while keeping your

home secure. However, screens can become damaged over time, allowing pests to

enter your home.

If you have ripped or

torn screens, it's important to replace or repair them promptly. This will help

keep insects out and maintain the comfort and safety of your home. You can

purchase replacement screens from hardware stores or online, and many come with

easy-to-follow installation instructions.

To repair a small tear

in a screen, you can use a screen repair kit. These kits typically include

adhesive patches that can be applied to the damaged area. For larger tears or

holes, it may be necessary to replace the entire screen.

Regularly inspect your

screens for any signs of damage and address them promptly to prevent insects

from entering your home.

Keep Lawn Cut to Assist with Repelling

Insects

Maintaining a

well-groomed lawn not only enhances the curb appeal of your home but also helps

in repelling insects. Tall grass and overgrown vegetation can provide hiding

places for pests like mosquitoes, ticks, and fleas.

To keep insects at bay,

it's important to regularly cut your lawn and trim any overgrown bushes or

shrubs. This will eliminate their hiding spots and discourage their presence in

your yard. Make sure to mow your lawn at the appropriate height for your grass

type to promote healthy growth and discourage weed growth.

In addition to regular

lawn maintenance, consider using insect-repellent treatments or natural

remedies to further deter pests. These can include applying insecticide

granules or using essential oils like citronella or lavender.

By keeping your lawn

well-maintained, you can create a more enjoyable outdoor space and reduce the

risk of insect infestations.

Contact RBD Contracting Inc., for your free consultation today!